Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Lexington is 11% more affordable than Virginia Beach. A $75,000 salary in Virginia Beach is equivalent to $66,429 in Lexington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Kentucky salaries · Virginia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Lexington has a housing index of 82 while Virginia Beach sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Lexington costs $245,000 compared to $310,000 in Virginia Beach, a difference of $65,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Lexington versus $1,500 in Virginia Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Lexington scores 96 while Virginia Beach scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Lexington (94) are lower than Virginia Beach (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Lexington is $55,648 compared to $73,418 in Virginia Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.
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